---
title: "Zelenskyy and Stubb in Washington: How the leaders of two countries convinced US senators to support 'hellish sanctions' against Russia"
description: "🇺🇸 Zelenskyy and Stubb convinced US senators to support 'hellish sanctions' against Russia. 🇷🇺 The bill passed the first vote, but the finale is still ahead. 🇺🇦🇫🇮 #sanctions #zelenskyy #stubb #usa #russia"
date: 2026-07-29T06:52:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/zelenskyy-and-stubb-in-washington-how-the-leaders-of-two-countries-convinced-us-senators-to-support-hellish-sanctions-against-russia
tags: [zelensky, stub, us-senate, sanctions, russia]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Zelenskyy and Stubb in Washington: How the leaders of two countries convinced US senators to support 'hellish sanctions' against Russia

![Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Finnish President Alexander Stubb shake hands in Washington before meeting with US senators on sanctions against Russia.](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/29/zelenyi-i-stubb-v-vashington-kak-lideri-dvuh-stran-ubezdili-senatorov-ssha-podderzhat-adskie-sankcii-protiv-rossii/zelenyi-i-stubb-v-vashington-kak-lideri-dvuh-stran-ubezdili-senatorov-ssha-podderzhat-adskie-sankcii-protiv-rossii-1.webp)

A tense political struggle is unfolding in Washington over the adoption of a new package of sanctions against Russia. Visits by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Finnish President Alexander Stubb played a key role in this process. According to sources, it was their arguments that helped overcome the doubts of American lawmakers and move the Senate voting procedure forward.

### Democratic doubts and compelling arguments

On the eve of the first procedural vote in the US Senate, the situation appeared uncertain. Some Democratic senators hesitated over whether to support the bill to tighten restrictions on Russia and Iran. The main reason for their indecision was concern about the potential application of new tariffs and duties by the US President, which could harm the domestic economy.

However, as Axios sources report, Zelenskyy and Stubb managed to "present compelling arguments" in favor of adopting the package. The leaders of the two countries convinced their wavering colleagues that Russia is in a losing position and that new measures will be a decisive factor. Their stance proved weighty: the bill received support.

### Zelenskyy in the Senate chamber

Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not just communicate with lawmakers behind closed doors; he personally observed the voting process from the Senate chamber. This became a symbol of the importance of the moment for Kyiv. During his visit to the US, the Ukrainian President met with more than 60 senators, striving to convey to them the necessity of immediate action.

According to Zelenskyy himself, the new bill is significant not only as a tool of pressure on the Kremlin but also as an important signal for Europe. The adoption of sanctions demonstrates the unity of Western partners and their readiness to take decisive steps amidst the ongoing conflict.

### Next steps: what awaits the bill

On July 28, the US Senate held a procedural vote, during which it supported the bill to tighten sanctions against Russia and Iran. One of the authors of the document was Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. However, the process is not yet fully complete.

The bill awaits another vote in the Senate, which is planned to be held by the end of August. After that, the initiative will move to the House of Representatives, where it must pass the final stage of approval. Only then can the document be signed by the President and come into force.

Thus, the efforts of Zelenskyy and Stubb became an important stage in advancing the sanctions initiative. Their visits and personal meetings with senators helped overcome internal disagreements and secure support from key players in Congress. Now everything depends on the final decisions of the US legislative branch.